Can You Get Wolf Armor Early in Witcher 3? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: no, you cannot get the Wolf armor early in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Despite potentially meeting the level 14 requirement earlier, the Wolf armor set is intrinsically linked to the Kaer Morhen region, which becomes accessible only about halfway through the main storyline. You must progress through the main quest to unlock Kaer Morhen.
Unlocking the Wolven Gear: A Journey to Kaer Morhen
The Wolven Witcher Gear Set is a desirable choice for many players due to its balanced stats, making it suitable for hybrid builds that combine swordplay and sign usage. However, its availability is gated by story progression.
The Road to Kaer Morhen
The Wolf School Gear quest (Scavenger Hunt: Wolf School Gear) doesn’t begin until you have access to Kaer Morhen. This means you must follow the main storyline, complete quests in Velen and Novigrad, and eventually reach the point where Geralt returns to the Witcher stronghold. There’s no shortcut or workaround to bypass this requirement.
Collecting the Wolven Set
Once you reach Kaer Morhen, you can start the quest. It consists of locating six pieces: four armor pieces and two swords. It’s a medium armor Witcher set.
- Acquire the Maps: To trigger the quests, you need to find the maps scattered across the world purchased from merchants. Look for them in Velen and Novigrad.
- Follow the Quests: The maps will lead you to specific locations within Kaer Morhen and its surrounding areas where you’ll find the diagrams needed to craft the Wolven gear.
- Crafting the Armor: Once you’ve obtained the diagrams, visit a skilled blacksmith and armorer to craft the individual pieces. You’ll need the required materials, so be prepared to hunt for them.
Why the Wait?
The deliberate placement of the Wolven armor within Kaer Morhen serves a narrative purpose. It encourages players to explore the world, complete quests, and immerse themselves in the story before gaining access to this powerful gear. This design choice prevents players from becoming overpowered too early and maintains a sense of progression and challenge.
Understanding Early Game Armor Choices
While you can’t get the Wolf armor early, there are other options available that can significantly enhance your survivability and combat effectiveness in the early stages of the game.
Griffin Armor Set
The Griffin Armor Set is generally considered the earliest major Witcher gear set you can acquire. You can find it in Velen and Novigrad. This set is a medium armor and provides a boost to sign intensity, making it ideal for players who rely heavily on signs in combat.
Temerian Armor Set
The Temerian Armor Set is another excellent early-game option. This set can be purchased from the merchant in White Orchard, offering a decent level of protection at the beginning of your adventure.
Other Looted Armor
Remember to explore the world thoroughly and loot chests and containers. You’ll often find random armor pieces that can provide a temporary upgrade until you can craft or purchase better gear.
FAQs: Deep Dive into Witcher 3 Armor
1. What is the earliest level I can get Witcher gear?
The Griffin Armor is usually the earliest attainable Witcher gear, obtainable around level 7-10, depending on your path. However, the recommended level for some pieces might be higher.
2. Is the Griffin Armor better than the Wolf Armor?
It depends on your playstyle. Griffin armor focuses on sign intensity, making it ideal for sign-heavy builds. Wolf armor is more balanced, suitable for players who use a mix of swords and signs. There isn’t necessarily any armor that is “better” than another.
3. Can I skip quests and still get to Kaer Morhen?
No, you must follow the main storyline progression to reach Kaer Morhen. There are no shortcuts or ways to bypass this requirement.
4. What happens if I miss the Wolf School Gear quests?
The quests aren’t missable. Once you reach Kaer Morhen and have the maps, you can start the quests at any time.
5. What are the best stats for early game armor?
Look for armor that provides a good balance of armor rating, resistance to various damage types (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing), and any additional bonuses like sign intensity or adrenaline gain.
6. How do I get the diagrams for the Wolven gear?
You must purchase maps from merchants scattered across the world, primarily in Velen and Novigrad. These maps will lead you to the diagrams’ locations.
7. Is the Forgotten Wolven Armor the same as the regular Wolf Armor?
The Forgotten Wolven Armor is a variant added in an update. It’s another medium set and offers a balanced approach to combat. It is acquired through a different questline that delves into the lore behind the Wolven School.
8. What kind of build is Wolf Armor best for?
Wolf Armor is best for a hybrid build that combines swordplay and sign usage. It provides bonuses to both attack power and sign intensity.
9. Can I upgrade the Wolf Armor?
Yes, you can upgrade the Wolf Armor to Enhanced, Superior, and Mastercrafted versions. Each upgrade requires finding new diagrams and crafting the improved pieces.
10. Where can I find a good blacksmith to craft Witcher gear?
Look for Master Armorers and Master Blacksmiths in larger cities like Novigrad or Crow’s Perch. They have the skills and tools necessary to craft high-quality Witcher gear.
11. What are the rarest armor sets in The Witcher 3?
Some of the rarest armor sets include the Tesham Mutna Armor, Hen Gaidth Armor, and Toussaint Armor. These sets often require completing specific quests or exploring hidden locations.
12. Is there a level requirement for the Grandmaster Wolven Armor?
Yes, there’s a level requirement for the Grandmaster Wolven Armor. You typically need to be around level 40 to effectively use it.
13. Where do I find the Grandmaster Wolven Armor diagrams?
The Grandmaster Wolven Armor diagrams are found in the Blood and Wine expansion. You’ll need to travel to Toussaint to find them.
14. Is it worth investing in crafting early on in the game?
Yes, investing in crafting early can be beneficial. It allows you to create better weapons and armor than what you might find through looting or purchasing. However, prioritize essential upgrades and save your resources for Witcher gear.
15. Where is the best place to sell armor and weapons in The Witcher 3?
Sell armor to armorers and weapons to blacksmiths for the best prices. Innkeepers often offer good prices for hides, while herbalists pay more for alchemy and herbal ingredients. This will help you earn money quickly early game.
In conclusion, while the Wolf armor is a fantastic set, you’ll have to be patient and progress through the story to unlock it. Explore the available options, experiment with different builds, and enjoy the journey. You can find valuable information and resources regarding gaming and its impact on learning at the Games Learning Society website (GamesLearningSociety.org), bridging the gap between entertainment and education.